Subject
Monte-Carlo (Monaco) -- Fiction Books
Best books
Robert W. (Robert William) Service
The poisoned paradise: A romance of Monte Carlo
"The Poisoned Paradise: A Romance of Monte Carlo" by Robert W. Service is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book appears to explore themes of desperation, hope, and transformation against the backdrop of Monte Carlo, focusing on the character of Margot. Through her journey, readers are likely to witness her struggles with her past and her aspirations for a brighter future. At the start of the story, we meet a boy drawing in a shabby room, where his mother reminisces about their origins in Monaco and the beauty of their homeland. The narrative shifts to the troubled life of Margot, introduced as an outcast in a harsh domestic environment with an abusive mother. Margot's distressing interactions at home drive her to leave, embarking on a journey through the city which seems to be filled with unpredictable challenges. We see her naivety and resilience as she navigates through harsh realities, hinting at her future encounters and the character development that will unfold as she seeks a new life.
C. N. (Charles Norris) Williamson
The guests of Hercules
"The Guests of Hercules" by C. N. Williamson and A. M. Williamson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins with the character Mary Grant, a novice set to leave her convent home to embark on a new life outside its walls. The narrative explores themes of self-discovery, nostalgia, and the clash between sheltered innocence and the allure of the outside world, particularly the exciting yet daunting prospect of Monte Carlo. At the start of the novel, Mary is saying goodbye to the convent garden, reflecting on her years spent in the sheltered life of a novice. As she prepares for her departure, she grapples with feelings of nostalgia and homesickness, despite having chosen to leave the convent. Her friend, Peter Maxwell, encourages her to embrace her newfound freedom as Mary's mind swirls with thoughts of the vibrant world awaiting her, particularly her long-held dream of visiting Italy. The emotional weight of her decision to leave the convent is palpable and sets up a compelling exploration of her journey into adulthood, freedom, and the uncertainties that come with it.
William Le Queux
Mademoiselle of Monte Carlo
"Mademoiselle of Monte Carlo" by William Le Queux is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in the glamorous setting of Monte Carlo's casino culture and revolves around a mysterious and captivating woman known as Mademoiselle, who seems to possess an uncanny luck at gambling. The protagonist, Hugh Henfrey, a young Englishman, is determined to uncover the truth about his father's enigmatic death, which he suspects is linked to Mademoiselle. The opening of the novel introduces us to the bustling casino atmosphere and the fateful "Suicide's Chair," where Mademoiselle is winning consistently, capturing the attention of those around her. As Hugh and his friend Walter discuss her, it becomes clear that Hugh believes she holds crucial information about his father's demise. The narrative hints at dark secrets and intertwined lives against the backdrop of opulence, as Hugh's obsession with uncovering the truth drives him to confront the enigmatic Mademoiselle, setting the stage for intrigue and suspense in the chapters to come.
Marie Belloc Lowndes
The lonely house
"The Lonely House" by Marie Belloc Lowndes is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces us to Lily Fairfield, an English girl who leaves her sheltered life after the death of her aunt to stay with distant relatives, the Count and Countess Polda, at their villa in Monaco. As she seeks a fresh start on the French Riviera, the novel hints at deeper themes of loneliness, vulnerability, and potentially sinister experiences that await her in her new home. At the start of the story, Lily embarks on her journey to La Solitude, her new residence, filled with hope yet subconsciously burdened by past traumas. The opening chapters recount her vivid dreams and her arrival in the picturesque yet isolating setting of the Polda's villa. Upon meeting her relatives, Lily's initial enthusiasm is shadowed by an eerie atmosphere, strange occurrences, and unsettling interactions with the household staff and her distant relatives. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Lily's presence at La Solitude may not be as wholesome as it seems, setting the stage for intrigue and suspense in her new life.
William Le Queux
The gamblers
"The Gamblers" by William Le Queux is a fictional novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Carmela Rosselli, a young woman of Italian descent living in England, as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery amidst the lavish yet treacherous world of gambling in Monte Carlo. Accompanied by her friend Ulrica, Carmela navigates the complexities of love, loss, and wealth, intertwining her own personal struggles with the alluring yet perilous atmosphere of the casino. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Carmela Rosselli, who reflects on her past filled with sorrow from the loss of her parents and an unrequited love. Seeking a fresh start, she travels to Monte Carlo with her friend Ulrica, who yearns for excitement and adventure. As they indulge in the thrills of Parisian nightlife, their adventure leads them to Monte Carlo, where the allure of gambling takes hold. However, amidst the glitz and glamour, a dark turn of events occurs when a murder shatters their temporary bliss, setting off a chain of mystery and intrigue that will challenge Carmela's perceptions of trust and fate.
Guy Thorne
Chance in Chains: A Story of Monte Carlo
"Chance in Chains: A Story of Monte Carlo" by Guy Thorne is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces two junior engineers, Basil Gregory and Emile Deschamps, who are struggling to make a groundbreaking discovery in wireless telegraphy but find themselves thwarted by financial limitations. As the narrative unfolds, the characters become engulfed in the glitzy and often perilous world of gambling at Monte Carlo, weaving a tale of ambition, misfortune, and the allure of fate. The opening of the book sets a vivid scene in Paris, where the two young men work diligently at a power station. Their conversation reveals their shared aspirations and frustrations, as they dream of recognition for their considerable talent and hard work. On a cold November night, the duo becomes lost in the fog and finds refuge in an intriguing wood workshop run by the Carnet brothers. This chance encounter lays the groundwork for an unexpected turn in their lives, as the brothers reveal their expertise in crafting roulette wheels for the famous casino at Monte Carlo. As Basil and Emile begin to explore the possibilities of their inventiveness within this gambling world, the narrative hints at a looming moral dilemma regarding chance and choice, setting the stage for a thrilling exploration of fate’s fickle nature against a backdrop of ambition and desperation.
C. N. (Charles Norris) Williamson
Rosemary in Search of a Father
"Rosemary in Search of a Father" by C. N. Williamson and A. M. Williamson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a young girl named Rosemary who is living with her mother, Evelyn, and believes she has lost her father at sea. As Christmas approaches, the narrative unfolds in Monte Carlo, contrasting the luxurious setting with the struggles of its protagonists, particularly Rosemary and her yearning for a father figure in her life. At the start of the book, we are introduced to a young man driving through Monte Carlo, feeling a sense of loss and nostalgia for a past love. Meanwhile, Rosemary, a charming little girl, is on a quest to find her absent father, believing that he may return to her on Christmas Eve. The opening scenes establish a sense of melancholy and wonder, particularly through Rosemary's innocent optimism. The young man, Hugh Egerton, unexpectedly crosses paths with the girl, leading to an introduction that hints at intertwined fates and the possibility of fulfilling the voids in both their lives. The opening portion masterfully sets up themes of loss, love, and the hopes of reuniting families amid the backdrop of Christmas festivities.
E. Phillips (Edward Phillips) Oppenheim
Mr. Grex of Monte Carlo
"Mr. Grex of Monte Carlo" by E. Phillips Oppenheim is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in the glamorous world of Monte Carlo, where a complex web of intrigue and personal relationships begins to unravel, particularly focusing on the enigmatic figure of Mr. Grex and his daughter. Central to the narrative is the character of Sir Henry Hunterleys, who finds himself drawn into a tangled affair fraught with jealousy, suspicion, and a hinted political backdrop. At the start of the novel, the scene is set at a bustling roulette table in Monte Carlo, where Sir Henry Hunterleys unexpectedly spots a striking woman, Violet, seemingly engrossed in the game. Their tense interaction reveals a complicated past and suggests underlying issues in their relationship, particularly regarding jealousy and suspicion of each other's motives. The chapter opens up to the glitzy yet treacherous world of high society gambling, as well as the looming presence of Mr. Grex, hinting that there is more at stake than just fortune at the tables. As conversations unfold, it becomes apparent that Hunterleys' visit may not just be for leisure; it hints at deeper political tensions and potential dangers, setting the stage for a captivating drama filled with love, rivalry, and intrigue.
William Le Queux
If Sinners Entice Thee
"If Sinners Entice Thee" by William Le Queux is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story begins in a quaint English village, focusing on Captain Erle Brooker, his daughter Liane, and their companion Nelly Bridson. The narrative delves into themes of love, social status, and the shadows of a mysterious past that looms over the characters, particularly with the interest of Prince Zertho d'Auzac in Liane. The opening of the book introduces a conversation between Captain Brooker and Zertho, hinting at tensions surrounding Liane’s future and her father's intentions. As the dialogue unfolds, we learn about the father's protective nature towards Liane and the complex dynamics of their lives marked by financial struggles and social ostracism. We also get a glimpse into Liane’s character—beautiful yet seemingly haunted by her past—as well as the ominous curiosity surrounding Zertho, a man from Brooker's past with a dubious reputation. The juxtaposition of the idyllic village setting with the impending sense of turmoil sets the stage for a tale of intrigue and emotional entanglements.
William Le Queux
The Sign of the Seven Sins
The Sign of the Seven Sins by William Le Queux is a novel written in the early 20th century. It appears to be a romantic-sensation mystery set on the Riviera, where Monte Carlo’s glitter conceals a web of crime, secrets, and temptation. Narrated by the young American-Italian Carmela Rosselli, the story entwines her travels with her worldly friend Ulrica Yorke, a sudden murder, an enigmatic millionaire, and a masked figure called “The Owl,” hinting that love, money, and danger will collide. The opening of the novel follows Carmela from Washington to London, Paris, and finally Nice, where she and Ulrica fall into the Monte Carlo orbit with two American acquaintances, Gerald Keppel and Reginald Thorne. After a lucky afternoon at roulette and a glittering dinner at Ciro’s—during which Carmela glimpses her former lover Ernest Cameron with another woman—Reggie wins a fortune, steps away to change his notes, and is later found dead in the women’s hotel sitting-room, the cash gone and the cause unclear. The police inquiry yields nothing but suspicion and press sniping, while Carmela and Ulrica draw closer to Gerald’s austere, eccentric father, the millionaire Benjamin Keppel, who secretly turns ivory and proposes a yacht cruise. As Carnival peaks, a masked “Owl” dances with Carmela and seeks a private audience, declaring he knows the truth about Reggie’s death and insisting robbery was not the motive.
C. N. (Charles Norris) Williamson
Rosemary: A Christmas story
"Rosemary: A Christmas Story" by C. N. Williamson and A. M. Williamson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set during Christmas time, revolving around a young man, Hugh Egerton, who finds himself in a complex emotional landscape filled with memories of lost love and the seeking of new relationships. The narrative also introduces Julie, a young girl struggling with her circumstances, and her mother, who are intertwined with Hugh's quest for redemption and connection. The opening of the book sets the stage for Hugh Egerton's internal conflict as he navigates the enchanting yet melancholic atmosphere of Monte Carlo during the holiday season. Despite his newfound wealth, Hugh grapples with the absence of the woman he once loved, Evelyn, and the heartache that accompanies his memories. In a chance encounter at the Casino, he meets a young woman who, along with her mother, has fallen on hard times due to gambling losses. As they share their struggles, a budding connection develops amidst the backdrop of Christmas Eve, hinting at themes of kindness, generosity, and the hope of rekindling lost relationships. Through these interactions, the opening lays the groundwork for a story rich with emotional depth and the promise of transformation.
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